Research Projects - Tampere University of Technology

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Department of Physics

Research projects

Selected research projects and related publications. Click the project names to see a wider description.

 

  • REAL-EM - Real-world particle emission of diesel vehicles(2007-2010)
  • Lipika - Correlation between fine particle emissions of traffic and laboratory measurements of vehicles(2002-2006)

 

 

BUONAPART-E - Better upscaling and optimization of nanoparticle and nanostructure production by meand of electrical discharges (2011-2014)

The BUONAPART-E project aims to demonstrate that a physical nanoparticle synthesis process can be economically scaled-up to yield 100 kg/day production rate, which is the target rate mentioned in the Call Topic. The process is simple, versatile, and reliable. It avoids chemical precursors and solvents, while fully recycling the necessary inert carrier gas, resulting in a minimal impact on the environment. The process does not necessitate external heating of the inert gas, thereby keeping energy consumption low.

 

People involved:

  • Jorma Keskinen (Team leader)
  • Jyrki Mäkelä
  • Anssi Arffman (Project manager)
  • Miska Olin

 

Funding:

  • EU 7th Framework Programme EU

 

Collaboration:

  • University of Duisburg-Essen                            
  • Lund University                         
  • Delft University of Technology
  • Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT
  • University of Szeged               
  • Åbo Akademi University        
  • CNRS                 
  • TU Eindhoven                             
  • ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG
  • RAMEM S.A.  
  • Metal Nanopowders Ltd.      
  • Sol Voltaics AB                            
  • FOMENTEX                                  
  • PALAS               
  • Avanzare         
  • Stiftelsen SINTEF                       
  • Protia AS          
  • Universidad Politecnica Valencia                     
  • DAS Photonics                            
  • IUTA

TREAM - Trends in real-world particle emissions of diesel and gasoline vehicles (2011-2014)

The TREAM project aims to clarify the effects of long-time trends on real-world particle emissions of diesel and gasoline engine and vehicles. To do that, the project utilises databases produced in other projects in addition to the other published emission data, for example, for modelling studies. To answer to the open questions related to real-world exhaust particle number, size distributions and characteristics, real-world emissions of gasoline and diesel passenger cars and heavy duty diesel trucks are studied on road at normal driving conditions using the laboratory vehicle. Additionally, laboratory studies are performed for passenger cars and heavy duty engines using sampling and dilution systems capable to mimic the real-world particle formation and characteristics and using instruments capable to measure nanoparticle emissions. The studies cover the effects of lubricant oils, engine parameters, after-treatment and fuel on the particle emission.

 

People involved:

  • Topi Rönkkö, contact person
  • Panu Karjalainen, project manager
  • Heino Kuuluvainen           
  • Jorma Keskinen

 

Funding:

 

  • The Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes)
  • Ecocat Oy
  • Neste Oil Oyj
  • AGCO Power Oy
  • Oy Nanol Technologies Ab

 

Collaboration:

  •  
  • Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
  • Turku University of Applied Sciences
  • University of Vaasa
  • Laboratory of Applied Thermodynamics, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki
  • Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik (Heidelberg) (MPIK)
  • German center for Air and Space (DLR)
  • MAN Truck & Bus AG

 

Publications:

  • Karjalainen, P., Heikkilä, J., Rönkkö, T., Happonen, M., Saari, S., Malinen, A., Lähde, T., Pirjola, L., Matilainen, P., Kinnunen T., Keskinen, J.. Particle Emission Reduction in a SI-DI Vehicle by an Open Channel Filter. Combustion Generated Nanoparticles, 16th ETH-Conference June 2012.

Nanodevice (2009-2013)

The main project goal is to develop innovative concepts and reliable methods for characterizing ENP in workplace air with novel, portable and easy-to-use devices suitable for workplaces. Additional research objectives are (1) identification of relevant physico-chemical properties and metrics of airborne ENP; establishment of reference materials; (2) exploring the association between physico-chemical and toxicological properties of ENP; (3) analyzing industrial processes as a source of ENP in workplace air; (4) developing methods for calibration and testing of the novel devices in real and simulated exposure situations; and (5) dissemination of the research results to promote the safe use of ENP through guidance, standards and education, implementing of safety objectives in ENP production and handling, and promotion of safety related collaboration through an internationally nanosafety platform.

 

People involved:

  • Jorma Keskinen, contact person
  • Jyrki Mäkelä, contact person
  • Antti Rostedt
  • Anssi Järvinen

 

Funding:

  • EU FP7 project

 

Collaboration:

  • 29 partners from 10 EU member states

 

Publications:

  • Poster presentations

 

 

Characterizing the physical state of the atmospheric secondary organic aerosol particles (2010-2012)

To understand global climate change in detail, the understanding of chemical and physical processes of aerosol particles in atmosphere is needed.Chemical and physical processes of aerosol particles in atmosphere depend on their chemical composition and physical properties. For instance, phase (solid, liquid, amorphous, mixture of those) and morphology of the aerosol particles affect the chemical and physical processes of aerosols, e.g., gas-particle partitioning, homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions, condensation, etc.  In this research we employ the new method on characterizing the phase of the atmospheric SOA particles.  The experimental research is conducted in both in smog chamber with volatile organics emitted from plants and in real atmospheric conditions.

Collaboration: Univ. Eastern Finland, Finnish Meteorological Inst., Univ. Helsinki, Univ. Bielefeld

Funding: Maj and Tor Nessling Foundation                                       

Key persons : Annele Virtanen (project leader), Erkka Saukko, Heino Kuuluvainen

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Interaction of traffic-related nanoparticles with lung surfactant (2009-2012)
Project goal is to establish a link between nanoparticle deposition in lungs and transport to blood flow and inner organs through understanding of interaction between the lung surfactant monolayer and deposited nanoparticles.

People involved:

 

Funding:

 

Collaboration:

  • Helsinki Eye Lab, University of Helsinki


Publications:

  • Saukko, E. (2009) Investigation of the interaction of nanoparticles and pulmonary surfactant using the Langmuir-Wilhelmy method(Diploma Thesis, In Finnish)


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KAHVA - Charging of aerosol particles and gas molecules (2008-2011)
Different ionization and particle charging methods are studied based on the basic principles and phenomena behind the charging processes. Objective of the project is to create a foundation for the use of different charging and ionization processes in aerosol and gas measurements instruments used in the safety and security applications. In the project, different charging mechanisms are evaluated and their limits are determined. Guidelines for the development of ionizers and aerosol chargers are created and new demonstrators are build and tested.

People involved:

  • Jorma Keskinen, contact person
  • Jyrki Mäkelä
  • Marko Marjamäki

 

Funding:

  • Tekes
  • Dekati Oy
  • Ecocat Oy
  • Gasmet Oy

 

Collaboration:

  • University of Eastern Finland



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Lipika - Correlation between fine particle emissions of traffic and laboratory measurements of vehicles (2002-2006)
The project goal is to clarify the vehicle exhaust particle characteristics and particle formation mechanisms in order to establish a link between laboratory measurements of exhaust particles and the real-world emissions. This is accomplished by performing several vehicle and engine laboratory campaigns and studying real-world particle emission by on-road measurements with individual vehicles and by road-side measurement campaigns.

People involved:

  • Topi Rönkkö, contact person
  • Jorma Keskinen
  • Annele Virtanen
  • Jonna Kannosto

 

Funding:


Collaboration:

 

Publications:

  • Lähde, T., Rönkkö, T., Virtanen, A., Schuck, T.J., Pirjola, L., Hämeri, K.,
     Kulmala, M., Arnold, F., Rothe, D. & Keskinen, J. 2009. Heavy duty diesel
     engine exhaust aerosol particle and ion measurements. Environmental Science
     & Technology 43 1, pp. 163-168.
  • Arnold, F., Pirjola, L., Aufmhoff, H., Schuck, T., Lähde, T. & Hämeri, K. 2006. First gaseous sulfuric acid measurements in automobile exhaust: Implications for volatile nanoparticle formation. Atmospheric Environment 40 pp. 7097-7105.
  • Kerminen, V-M., Pakkanen, T.A., Mäkelä, T., Hillamo, R.E., Sillanpää, M., Rönkkö, T., Virtanen, A., Keskinen, J., Pirjola, L., Hussein, T. & Hämeri, K. 2007. Heavy duty diesel engine exhaust aerosol particle and ion measurements. Environmental Science and Technology 43 (1), 163-168.
  • Pakkanen T., Mäkelä T., Hillamo R., Virtanen A., Rönkkö T., Keskinen J., Pirjola L., Parviainen H., Hussein T. and Hämeri K. Monitoring of black carbon and size-segregated particle number concentrations at 9m and 65m distances from a major road in Helsinki. Accepted to Boreal Environment Research.
  • Pirjola, L., Parviainen, H., Hussein, T., Valli, A., Hämeri, K., Aalto, P., Virtanen, A., Keskinen, J., Pakkanen, T. A., Mäkelä, T., Hillamo, R.E. (2004) ”Sniffer” – a novel tool for chasing vehicles and measuring traffic pollutants. Atmospheric Environment, 38, 3625-3635.
  • Pirjola, L., Paasonen, P., Pfeiffer, D., Hussein, T., Hämeri, K., Koskentalo, T., Virtanen, A., Rönkkö, T., Keskinen, J., Pakkanen, T. (2006) Dispersion of particles and trace gases nearby a city highway: mobile laboratory measurements in Finland. Atmospheric Environment, 40, 867-879.
  • Rönkkö, T., Virtanen, A., Vaaraslahti, K., Keskinen, J., Pirjola, L., Lappi, M. (2006) Effect of dilution conditions and driving parameters on nucleation mode particles in diesel exhaust: laboratory and on-road study. Atmospheric Environment, 40, 2893-2901.
  • Rönkkö, T., Virtanen, A., Kannosto, J., Keskinen, J., Lappi, M. , Pirjola, L. (2007) Nucleation mode particles with a nonvolatile core in the exhaust of a heavy duty diesel vehicle. Environmental Science and Technology, 41, 6384-6389.
  • Rönkkö, T. 2008. Diesel exhaust particles: On-road and laboratory studies. Tampereen teknillinen yliopisto. Julkaisu 775 Tampere. 55, 112 s.
  • Rönkkö, T., Virtanen, A., Keskinen, J., Lähde, T., Pakkanen, T., Mäkelä, T., Hillamo, R., Joutsiniemi, H., Lappi, M., Pellikka, A-P., Vesala, H., Pirjola, L., Perhoniemi, P., Hämeri, K., Hussein, T. & Koskentalo, T. 2006. Correlation between fine particle emissions of traffic and laboratory measurement of vehicles, Final Report. Tampereen teknillinen yliopisto, Fysiikan laitos, Raportti 2006:2 Tampere. 64 s.
  • Virtanen, A., Rönkkö, T., Kannosto, J., Ristimäki, J., Mäkelä, J.M., Keskinen, J., Pakkanen, T., Hillamo, R., Pirjola, L. & Hämeri, K. 2006. Winter and summer time size distributions and densities of traffic-related aerosol particles at a busy highway in Helsinki. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics 6 pp. 2411-2421.


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MESTAN - Traceable measurement of nanoparticles (2008-2011)
Ultrafine aerosol particles have a large impact on the environment, health and industrial processes. In this project, the effect of interaction between particles and gases on the measurement of the particles and the operation of engine aftertreatment devices are studied. A new method and experimental setup is designed and built for this purpose. Part of the setup consists of a new aerosol generator that can be used to create traceable aerosol number concentration standard.

People involved:

 

Funding:

  • Tekes
  • Dekati Oy
  • Ecocat Oy
  • Gasmet Oy

 

Collaboration:

  • Mikes, Centre for Metrology and Accreditation

 

Publications:

  • Yli-Ojanperä, J., Mäkelä, J.M., Marjamäki, M., Rostedt, A., Keskinen, J. (2010) Towards traceable particle number concentration standard: Single charged aerosol reference (SCAR). J. Aerosol Sci. 41, 719-728.


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METHYB - Metallo-dielectric hybrid materials for spatial, temporal, and spectral control of ultrafast pulses (2010-2013)
We will develop aerosol techniques to prepare samples where metal nanoparticles of the desired size and composition are placed on the surface of glass substrates or in the bulk of glasses. The plasmon resonances of the particles will be tuned to desired wavelengths by their size and using particles with a dielectric core and a metal shell. The resonances will be characterized by linear extinction spectroscopy.

People involved:

  • Jyrki Mäkelä, contact person
  • Martti Kauranen TUT/Nonlinear Optics, coordinator

 

Funding:

 

Collaboration:

  • TUT/Nonlinear Optics
  • Department of Applied Physics and Chemistry and Institute for Laser Science, University of Electro-Communications, Chofu, Tokyo



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MMEA - Measurement, Monitoring and Environmental Assessment (2010-2014)
The objective of the MMEA research programme during 2010-2014 is to develop new technologies, methods, tools and services in the area of measuring, environmental monitoring and EEA that are attractive both on the national and international markets. The specific aims are to 1) create new business in the area of MMEA, 2) to support other CLEEN research areas as a horizontal cross-disciplinary program, 3) to promote cooperation between CLEEN and other SHOKs,4) to promote and develop mechanisms for measurement interoperability and environmental information sharing, 5) to promote and develop methods and tools for the assessment of environmental efficiency, and 6) to develop application concepts for international markets in cooperation with research organisations, SME and big companies. Objective for the first programme period (2010) is to design and develop the first methods and tools that form the basis for application pilots to be constructed during the following years and to compile data and information for conducting EEA and constructing MSEEs for these pilots. In addition, preliminary EEA models and tools will be developed for some industrial applications.

People involved:

  • Jorma Keskinen, contact person
  • Topi Rönkkö

 

Funding:

  • Tekes
  • Participating companies through Cleen Oy

 

Collaboration:

  • Finnish Meteorological Institute, Metropolia, Dekati Oy, Pegasor Oy, Helsingin Energia, Proventia Group, HSY Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority, Wärtsilä, Metso Power Oy

 

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NANOKE - Nanotechnology Applications for Ceramic Tableware (2008-2010)
The project aims at possibilities to amend surface qualities of ceramic tableware by utilizing nanotechnology at Arabia’s manufacturing process. We consider producing colour and decoration effects with nanoparticles and contribute better mechanical and chemical durability for glaze surfaces.

People involved:

 

Funding:

  • The Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (TEKES)
  • Fiskars/Iittala Group Oy Ab, Arabia

 

Collaboration:

  • Åbo Akademi, Department of Inorganic Chemistry
  • Helsinki METROPOLIA University of Applied Sciences, Materials Technology and Surface Engineering
  • CERAM Research

 

Publications:

  • Janne Haapanen MSc.thesis

 

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NANORATA - Liquid Flame Spray Nanocoating for Flexible Roll-to-roll web materials (2008-2011)
In the project, Liquid Flame Spray process is utilized in synthesizing nanocoatings on roll-to-roll materials including paper, paperboard, plastic films etc. The aim of the project is to obtain new functionalities on the materials with a thin nanoparticle coating layer. The coverage of the nanoparticles can be even less than 100 % to achieve the properties, meaning approximately 10 mg/m^3 in the mass of the coating. The properties, that are studied, include surface energy (wettability of the surface), barrier properties for gases and liquids, sealability of packaging materials etc.

People involved:

 

Funding:

 

Collaboration:

 

Publications:

  • Mäkelä, J.M., Aromaa, M., Teisala, H., Tuominen, M., Stepien, M., Saarinen, J.J., Toivakka, M. and Kuusipalo, J. Nanoparticle Deposition from Liquid Flame Spray onto Moving Roll-to-Roll Paperboard Material, Aerosol Science and Technology, (submitted 3/2010)
  • Teisala, H., Tuominen, M., Aromaa, M., Mäkelä, J.M., Stepien, M., Saarinen, J.J., Toivakka, M. and Kuusipalo, J. Development of Superhydrophobic Coating on Paperboard Surface Using the Liquid Flame Spray, Surface Coatings and Technology, (submitted 3/2010)
  • Stepien, M., Saarinen, J.J., Teisala, H., Tuominen, M., Aromaa, M., Kuusipalo, J., Mäkelä, J.M. and Toivakka, M., Adjustable Wettability Properties of Paperboard by Liquid Flame Spray Process, Applied Surface Science, (submitted 4/2010)


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NANORATA 2 - Liquid Flame Spray Nanocoating for Flexible Roll-to-roll web materials 2 (2011-2014)
The main objective of the Nanorata 2 project is to control surface properties and functionality   of   flexible   natural   fibre-based   materials   in   large   scale   through nanoparticle deposition by the LFS-process. The benefits of such LFS coating are affordability with versatile metal or metal oxide nanoparticle deposition and continuous nature of the process. Moreover, the LFS equipment is relatively simple, inexpensive and reliable, and the coating is carried out roll-to-roll at normal pressure. The large scale processing is made possible by utilizing a roll-to-roll process with high line speeds. The method can be used for controlled fast changing of surface hydrophobicity into hydrophilicity (so called  reversible switching) by using UV/corona/plasma treatment. Via the surface energy we can influence other critical properties of the surface such as printability, extrusion coatability, release properties etc. Using the flame also possibly some  totally  novel  properties  can  be  generated,  such  as  self  cleaning  properties. Furthermore, the project aims at demonstrating several potential industrial uses for the process, as well as study the life cycle of the product.

People involved:

  • Jyrki Mäkelä, contact person
  • Mikko Aromaa
  • Janne Haapanen

 

Funding:

 

Collaboration:

 

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nDOPE - Novel nanofabrication methods for specialty optical fibers (2008-2010)
In the project, methods for nanoscale characterization of specialty optical fiber soot and actual fiber are investigated. The gained knowledge is expected to be used in the product development area, including testing the feasibility of novel soot fabrication methods.

People involved:

 

Funding:

 

Collaboration:

 

Publications:

  • Samuel Teini MSc-thesis 2010 “ Characterization of optical fiber soot preforms made with Liquid Flame Spray process”


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REAL-EM - Real-world particle emission of diesel vehicles (2007-2010)
In the project, the effects of vehicle technology on particle emission of diesel vehicles are studied in real-world driving conditions on road and in engine laboratory. The focus of the study is nucleation mode particle formation and the effects of lubricant oil, exhaust after-treatment and fuel on it.

People involved:

  • Topi Rönkkö, contact person
  • Jorma Keskinen

 

Funding:

 

Collaboration:

 

Publications:

  • Arnold, F., Pirjola, L., Rönkkö, T., Reichl, U., Schlager, H., Lähde, T., Heikkilä, J., Keskinen, J. (2012) First on-line measurements of sulphuric acid gas in modern heavy duty diesel engine exhaust: Implications for nanoparticle formation. Environmental Science and Technology, accepted
  • Arnold, F., Reichl, U., Muschik, C.H., Roiger, A., Schlager, H., Pirjola, L., Rönkkö, T., Keskinen, J. & Rothe, D. 2009. Nano-particle formation in modern diesel vehicle exhaust: Implication from first measurements of precursor gases. 13th ETH Conference on Combustion Generated Nanoparticles, Zurich, 22nd-24th June, 2009 1 p.
  • Arnold, F., Reichl, U., Muschik, C., Roiger, A., Schlager, H., Rönkkö, T., Pirjola, L., Rothe, D. & Keskinen, J. 2008. Nanoparticle formation in diesel vehicle exhaust: First measurements of precursor gases. 12. International ETH-Conference on Combustion Generated Nanoparticles, Zurich, Switzerland, 23-25 June, 2008 24 p.
  • Heikkilä, J., Rönkkö, T., Lähde, T., Lemmetty, M., Arffman, A., Virtanen, A., Keskinen, J., Pirjola, L., Rothe, D. (2009) Effect of open channel filter on particle emissions of modern diesel engine. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association 59,(10), 1148

 

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Refuel - Future combustion technology for synthetic renewable fuels in compression ignition engines (2009-2011)

The objective of the project is to develop new extremely low emission combustion technologies for renewable fuels in compression ignition engines.  The scope is to utilize the physical and chemical properties of the renewable fuels that differ from properties of the traditional crude oil based fuels and to develop optimum combustion technologies for them.

 

Key persons: Annele Virtanen, Matti Happonen, Juha Heikkilä, Jorma Keskinen

Collaboration: Helsinki Univ. Tech. (co-ordinator), Technical Research Center of Finland, Åbo Academi.

Funding: Tekes, Neste Oil Ltd, Wärtsilä Ltd, Sisu Diesel Ltd, Aker Arctic Technology Ltd

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Trends in vehicle exhaust particle emission characteristics (2008-2010)

To predict the effect of traffic related emissions on human health and atmospheric processes, size, composition and concentration of traffic related particles should be known. The vehicle technology is developing, driven by present and future emission limits. The technology development further affects the characteristics of vehicle particle emissions. Thus a) to predict the future trends of traffic emissions and b) to guide the development of e.g. after-treatment systems and fuel technology to the direction which leads to the reduction of overall particle emission, the effect of technology on particle emissions needs to be known. In addition, to develop the cleaner technologies, the nucleation mode particle formation mechanisms should be known.  Objectives of the proposed research are 1) to find future trends in vehicle exhaust particle emission properties 2) to study the formation mechanisms of nucleation mode particles and the effect of vehicle technology parameters on them.

Funding:

  • Academy of Finland
  • Post doctoral research grants                        

 

Key persons:

  • Annele Virtanen

 

Publications:

  • Effect of Fuel Injection Pressure on a Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Nonvolatile Particle Emission
     Lähde, T., Rönkkö, T., Happonen, M., Söderström, C., Virtanen A., Solla, A., Kytö, M., Rothe, D.,  Keskinen, J., Environmental Science & Technology 2011 45 (6), 2504-2509
  • Happonen, M., Lähde, T., Sarjovaara, T., Larmi, M., Messing, M., Wallenberg, R., Virtanen, A, Keskinen, J.,The comparison of particle oxidation and surface structure of diesel soot particles between fossil fuel and novel renewable diesel fuel, Submitted to Fuel.
  • Tiitta P., Miettinen, P., Vaattovaara, P, Joutsensaari, J., Petäjä, T., Virtanen, A.,  Aalto, P., Portin, H., Lehtinen, K.E.J., Kulmala M., and Laaksonen, A.: Road side aerosol study using hygroscopic, organic and volatility TDMA’s: Characterization and mixing state. Atmos. Env., 44, 976-986, 2010. doi10.1016/j.atmosenv.2009.06.021
  • Lähde, T., Rönkkö, T., Virtanen A., Solla, A., Kytö, M., Söderström, C., Keskinen, J. Dependence between nucleation mode particles and soot number concentrations in an EGR equipped heavy duty diesel engine exhaust. Accepted to Environ. Sci. Technol.
  • Lähde T., Rönkkö, T., Virtanen, A., Schuck, T., Pirjola, L., Hämeri, K., Kulmala, M., Arnold, F., Rothe, D., Keskinen J. Heavy duty engine exhaust ion and particle measurements.  Environ. Sci. Technol., 43, 163-168, 2009.
  • Heikkilä, J., Rönkkö, T., Lähde, T., Lemmetty, M., Arffman, A., Virtanen, A., Keskinen, J., Pirjola, L., Rothe, D. Effects of open channel filter on particle emissions of modern diesel engine. J. Air & Waste Manage. Assoc.,59, 1148-1154,  2009.
  • Heikkilä, J. Virtanen, A., Rönkkö, T., Keskinen, J., Aakko, P., Murtonen, T.: Nanoparticle emissions from a heavy-duty engine running on alternative diesel fuels., Environ. Sci. Technol. 43, 9501-9506., 2009.
  • Lemmetty, M.,Rönkkö, T., Virtanen, A., Keskinen, J. and Pirjola L.: The effect of sulphur in diesel exhaust aerosol: models compared with measurements.  Aerosol Sci. Tech., 42, 916-929, 2008.

 

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Updated by: Arffman Anssi, 08.01.2013 15:10.
Keywords: science and research, about tut